Iranian Nuclear Scientists Dubbed "Hitler's Team"
Israeli Military Strikes Iranian Broadcaster
Iran Expresses Willingness to Resume Nuclear Talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a virtual press conference on the 16th (local time), "The Iranian people have realized that their regime is much weaker than they thought," adding, "This realization can lead to consequences."
According to AFP and The Times of Israel, Netanyahu emphasized on this day, "We are changing the face of the Middle East, and this could lead to radical changes within Iran." These remarks came during the first press conference held after the Israeli military launched surprise airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and other targets on the 13th, declaring the start of Operation Rising Lion.
He went on to describe the Israeli military's recent airstrikes as a "historic operation," but stated that he could not predict the outcome. He also suggested the possibility of change in the Iranian regime by saying, "No one predicted the collapse of the Soviet Union, and only a handful believed that the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria would fall."
Regarding Iran's nuclear program, he used strong language. He said, "If you have a cancer that threatens your life, you have to cut it out," adding, "We will not stop."
He also outlined three military objectives for Israel: eliminating Iran's nuclear program, eliminating its ballistic missile production capability, and eliminating the axis of terrorism. He explained, "We are working closely with the United States to achieve these goals."
Netanyahu claimed that during this operation, "we eliminated 10 senior Iranian nuclear scientists and three chief aides, including members of the security leadership," and asserted, "We are heading toward victory."
He continued his hardline rhetoric in an interview with ABC News in the United States, which was reported on the same day. In response to speculation that the Israeli military might assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, he said, "This would not escalate the conflict, but rather end it."
However, when asked whether Khamenei would actually be targeted, he avoided a direct answer, stating, "We are doing what we need to do." This is interpreted as suggesting that Israel is considering a strategy to dismantle Iran's theocratic regime led by Ayatollah Khamenei and reshape the order in the Middle East.
He further criticized, "This regime, which has terrorized the entire Middle East, bombed Saudi Arabia's Aramco (the state oil company) oil fields, and engaged in terrorism, regime subversion, and sabotage, has been causing conflict for half a century."
He added, "Iran wants a 'perpetual war' and is pushing us to the brink of nuclear war," claiming, "What Israel is doing is preventing this and ending the aggression."
In particular, regarding the Iranian nuclear scientists killed in the Israeli airstrikes that began on the 13th, he described them as "essentially Hitler's nuclear team."
On this day, the Israeli military struck the headquarters of Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, interrupting a live broadcast, which was later resumed through a backup studio. At the time of the airstrike, a female anchor was on air live in the IRIB studio.
In relation to this, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said, "Iran's loudspeakers for propaganda and incitement will soon disappear."
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that, as the U.S. president repeatedly affirmed America's commitment to Israel's defense and the Israeli military intensified its attacks, Iran urgently conveyed to Israel and the United States?via a third country?its intention to halt mutual attacks and resume nuclear negotiations.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
